Joseph Gomer (missionary) facts for kids

Joseph Gomer (1834–1892) was an African American missionary who worked for the United Brethren Church. He spent many years helping people in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa.

Who Was Joseph Gomer?

Joseph Gomer was born in Michigan in 1834. When he was a young man, a big war called the American Civil War happened in the United States. Joseph Gomer served in the Union Army during this war. After the war ended, he moved to Dayton, Ohio.

A Call to Serve

In Dayton, Joseph Gomer became very involved with the United Brethren Church. He met and married Mary Wiley. Joseph and Mary felt a strong desire to help others. In 1870, their church approved them to become missionaries. This meant they would travel to another country to share their faith and help communities.

Life in Sierra Leone

In 1871, Joseph and Mary Gomer arrived in Sierra Leone. They were sent to a place called Shenge, on Sherbro Island. There, they joined a mission station that had been started in 1855. This station was not just about faith; it also helped the local community by growing important crops like coffee and rubber trees.

Joseph Gomer was very practical. He introduced better ways of farming to the people there. This helped the community grow more food and other useful plants. He also traveled back to the United States to raise money for his work. With the funds he collected, he was able to start an industrial school in Sierra Leone. This school taught important skills that helped young people learn trades and improve their lives.

Joseph Gomer stayed in Sierra Leone for the rest of his life, dedicated to his work. He passed away there in 1892 due to a sudden illness.